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Benguerir – Mohammed VI Polytechnic University (UM6P) convened today the inaugural Africa Smart City Forum, marking the dawn of a transformative dialogue set to span three days.
According to a press release shared with Morocco World News, the pan-African forum, spearheaded by UM6P and coordinated by its School of Architecture, Planning, and Design (SAP+D), unfolded on the campus of UM6P in Benguerir, a city emerging as a hub for experimentation in smart and sustainable urban solutions.
Africa Smart City First Edition, UM6P
Emphasizing research and innovation, this gathering symbolizes a new era in urban and territorial development, showcasing a fresh generation of intermediate cities transitioning towards smart and inclusive models across Africa.
With a central theme of “Smart City: Catalyst for Sustainable Territorial Development,” this inaugural edition will thoroughly explore the concept of “Smart city.” It will also explore leveraging local resources and technological knowledge to offer innovative solutions for territorial planning and management.
According to the press release, the forum’s aim is to steer urban growth towards inclusive, resilient, and sustainable African cities by harnessing local ingenuity and technological advancements.
Africa Smart City First Edition, UM6P
World-renowned experts convened at this event to share their insights on researching and experimenting with innovative urban models.
The list of illustrious participants included Remy Sietchiping, who serves as the Head of Policy, Legislation, and Governance at UN-Habitat; Dr. Aicha Bin Bishr, a renowned global expert in digital transformation and a strategic leader in Smart City initiatives based in Dubai; John Fernandez, Director and Professor at MIT’s Environmental Solutions Initiative in the United States; and Elizabeth Belpaire, President of the International Society of City and Regional Planners in Switzerland.
Read also: UM6P Renews Commitment Towards Africa’s Many Transitions
In their press release, the organizers highlighted that urban transition in Africa plays a crucial role in fostering social innovation, preserving the environment, enhancing urban heritage, and fostering cultural resilience.
The event also featured booths showcasing various ventures that contributed to its success, with the press release insisting that its goal is to bolster African cities’ capacity for value creation and optimize the performance of their facilities and services.
Africa Smart City First Edition, UM6P
One such venture, the Virtual Building Solution, acts as an editor and integrator of a software suite designed to manage the lifecycle of a building across its various phases: construction, operation, and maintenance.
Another standout example is HoplaMob, a mobility-focused startup that aims to offer a solution to circumvent common traffic congestion during peak hours and parking woes through the rental of electric scooters.
